Hit the Road

Check out these fresh takes on the classics that are definitely worthy of a food pilgrimage.

Pig's Head Cuban: The Cannibal, Los Angeles and N.Y.C.

Pig's Head Cuban: The Cannibal, Los Angeles and N.Y.C.

With a name like The Cannibal, it shouldn’t be surprising that this butcher-and-beer-based restaurant has a sandwich called the Pig's Head Cuban. Meat lovers will lose their heads over this take on the Caribbean classic with its griddle-pressed pig head terrine with gruyere and pickles.9601280

With a name like The Cannibal, it shouldn’t be surprising that this butcher-and-beer-based restaurant has a sandwich called the Pig's Head Cuban. Meat lovers will lose their heads over this take on the Caribbean classic with its griddle-pressed pig head terrine with gruyere and pickles.

Broccoli Classic Sandwich: No. 7, Ace Hotel, N.Y.C.

Broccoli Classic Sandwich: No. 7, Ace Hotel, N.Y.C.

An homage to his favorite childhood sandwich, this hero packed with mom-approved roasted broccoli, and more grown-up ingredients including lychee muchim, feta cheese and fried shallots, is just of No. 7 chef Tyler Kord’s meatless creations.9601280

An homage to his favorite childhood sandwich, this hero packed with mom-approved roasted broccoli, and more grown-up ingredients including lychee muchim, feta cheese and fried shallots, is just of No. 7 chef Tyler Kord’s meatless creations.

Hot Pressed Gelato Sandwich: Bucket & Bay, Jersey City, N.J.

Hot Pressed Gelato Sandwich: Bucket & Bay, Jersey City, N.J.

This artisanal grass-fed milk gelato maker in Jersey City, Bucket & Bay Craft Gelato Co., is already known for mixing things up with their seasonal and spirits infused flavors, such as Strawberry Port and Bourbon Peach. Don’t leave here without trying the Hot Pressed Gelato Sandwich, filled with housemade jam, and served on a French croissant babka roll from neighboring Choc-O-Pain bakery.9601280

This artisanal grass-fed milk gelato maker in Jersey City, Bucket & Bay Craft Gelato Co., is already known for mixing things up with their seasonal and spirits infused flavors, such as Strawberry Port and Bourbon Peach. Don’t leave here without trying the Hot Pressed Gelato Sandwich, filled with housemade jam, and served on a French croissant babka roll from neighboring Choc-O-Pain bakery.

Why wait for desert when you can eat it with your dinner? Savannah’s Treylor Park serves two American favorites simultaneously with its grilled apple pie with chicken sandwich, mixing sweet and savory in one big mouthwatering bite.9601280

Why wait for desert when you can eat it with your dinner? Savannah’s Treylor Park serves two American favorites simultaneously with its grilled apple pie with chicken sandwich, mixing sweet and savory in one big mouthwatering bite.

Photographer: Scott Harris

Fried Clam and Pig Ear Sandwich: Loyal Nine, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Fried Clam and Pig Ear Sandwich: Loyal Nine, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Loyal Nine offers a creative spin on New England cuisine with its Fried Clam and Pig Ear Sandwich. This local favorite features crispy Vermont Ossabaw bacon, frisée and fried whole-belly clams — shucked right at the restaurant — and battered with IPA, corn meal and corn flour. If that isn’t enough for your taste buds, a fried egg on top is optional.9601280

Loyal Nine offers a creative spin on New England cuisine with its Fried Clam and Pig Ear Sandwich. This local favorite features crispy Vermont Ossabaw bacon, frisée and fried whole-belly clams — shucked right at the restaurant — and battered with IPA, corn meal and corn flour. If that isn’t enough for your taste buds, a fried egg on top is optional.

We know, you’ve heard of the fried chicken and waffle sandwiches, but this one is filled with ice cream and pressed in two snickerdoodle cookies, too. Ice cream pioneer Coolhaus has mobile trucks in LA, NYC, and Dallas, dishing out this sweet-meets-savory ice cream sandwich that will satisfy all cravings in one bite.9601280

We know, you’ve heard of the fried chicken and waffle sandwiches, but this one is filled with ice cream and pressed in two snickerdoodle cookies, too. Ice cream pioneer Coolhaus has mobile trucks in LA, NYC, and Dallas, dishing out this sweet-meets-savory ice cream sandwich that will satisfy all cravings in one bite.

Swamp Thing: Black Dolphin Inn, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Swamp Thing: Black Dolphin Inn, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Swamp Thing … We think we love you. Inspired by Black Dolphin Inn chef’s home state of Florida, The Swamp Thing is BBQ brisket drowning in two local specialties: fried okra and coleslaw. (No crocodiles in this one, we promise.)9601280

Swamp Thing … We think we love you. Inspired by Black Dolphin Inn chef’s home state of Florida, The Swamp Thing is BBQ brisket drowning in two local specialties: fried okra and coleslaw. (No crocodiles in this one, we promise.)

Pulpo Octopus Roll: Boqueria, Washington, D.C. and N.Y.C.

Pulpo Octopus Roll: Boqueria, Washington, D.C. and N.Y.C.

Boqueria takes the lobster roll and replaces it with octopus, and adds some Spanish flare! Made with 3 ounces of cooked octopus, the Pulpo Roll is packed with celery, purple and white cabbage, jalepeno, pickled red onions, spicy pimenton de la vera, citrus aioli, salt and lemon, all on a potato bun.9601280

Boqueria takes the lobster roll and replaces it with octopus, and adds some Spanish flare! Made with 3 ounces of cooked octopus, the Pulpo Roll is packed with celery, purple and white cabbage, jalepeno, pickled red onions, spicy pimenton de la vera, citrus aioli, salt and lemon, all on a potato bun.

Banh Mi: Mercantile and Mash, Charleston, S.C.

Banh Mi: Mercantile and Mash, Charleston, S.C.

Gourmet food emporium Mercantile and Mash plays with the Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich with its Charleston version that includes Hoisin pork belly, chicken liver mousse, carrots, radish, jalapenos and cucumbers.9601280

Gourmet food emporium Mercantile and Mash plays with the Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich with its Charleston version that includes Hoisin pork belly, chicken liver mousse, carrots, radish, jalapenos and cucumbers.

Malted Waffle Sandwich: The Normal Diner, Tempe, Arizona

Malted Waffle Sandwich: The Normal Diner, Tempe, Arizona

For those breakfasts when you just can’t decide what you want, order the Malted Waffle Sandwich at (not-so) Normal Diner in Graduate Tempe hotel. Ham steak, scrambled egg and aged cheddar are sandwiched between two malted waffles. Even better? This all-in-one breakfast sandwich is served all day at this re-imagined American diner.9601280

For those breakfasts when you just can’t decide what you want, order the Malted Waffle Sandwich at (not-so) Normal Diner in Graduate Tempe hotel. Ham steak, scrambled egg and aged cheddar are sandwiched between two malted waffles. Even better? This all-in-one breakfast sandwich is served all day at this re-imagined American diner.

Reindeer Sandwhich: Embers Ski Lodge, Nashville, Tennessee

Reindeer Sandwhich: Embers Ski Lodge, Nashville, Tennessee

Reindeer in a bun? Apres-ski-inspired Embers Ski Lodge is known for its 50/50 Remix sandwich that comes with an even mix of reindeer meat (flown in from Alaska!) and Andouille sausage, along with sautéed red peppers and onions, served in a toasted New England-style hot dog bun.9601280

Reindeer in a bun? Apres-ski-inspired Embers Ski Lodge is known for its 50/50 Remix sandwich that comes with an even mix of reindeer meat (flown in from Alaska!) and Andouille sausage, along with sautéed red peppers and onions, served in a toasted New England-style hot dog bun.

I Heart Mac and Cheese Sandwich: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

What could be more comforting that a dish of Mac and Cheese smothered in bread? I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual concept by Chef Michael Blum, pays homage to the comfort food with limitless made-to-order combinations and toppings (hello, Black Truffle Salt.) There's even a mac & grilled cheese-baked sandwich filled with starchy/cheesy goodness.9601280

What could be more comforting that a dish of Mac and Cheese smothered in bread? I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual concept by Chef Michael Blum, pays homage to the comfort food with limitless made-to-order combinations and toppings (hello, Black Truffle Salt.) There's even a mac & grilled cheese-baked sandwich filled with starchy/cheesy goodness.

Muffuletta: Central Grocery, New Orleans, Louisiana

Muffuletta: Central Grocery, New Orleans, Louisiana

Home of the original Muffuletta, New Orlean’s Central Grocery created this legendary sammie in 1906, in order to make a traditional Sicilian lunch more portable. Versions of this old-world creation, a round sesame bun stuffed with layers of salami, ham, cheese, marinated olives and pickled vegetables, can now be found all over the country, but you need to taste the original, right? Right.9601280

Home of the original Muffuletta, New Orlean’s Central Grocery created this legendary sammie in 1906, in order to make a traditional Sicilian lunch more portable. Versions of this old-world creation, a round sesame bun stuffed with layers of salami, ham, cheese, marinated olives and pickled vegetables, can now be found all over the country, but you need to taste the original, right? Right.

Brain Sandwich: Schottzie's, St. Louis, Missouri

Brain Sandwich: Schottzie's, St. Louis, Missouri

Once a popular, inexpensive delicacy in St. Louis’ days of being a meatpacking mecca, cow’s brain sandwiches are nowadays not as easy to find. Andrew Zimmern tracked down of the last places still serving brains sandwiches (now made with pork) in St. Louis, Schottzie’s, for a taste of the old-time organ meat treat.9601280

Once a popular, inexpensive delicacy in St. Louis’ days of being a meatpacking mecca, cow’s brain sandwiches are nowadays not as easy to find. Andrew Zimmern tracked down of the last places still serving brains sandwiches (now made with pork) in St. Louis, Schottzie’s, for a taste of the old-time organ meat treat.

Big Game, Big Eats

Try making these sandwiches for the next big game, and we promise you'll be the talk of the tailgate.

The Yardbird

The Yardbird

The Yardbird is a juicy, smoked, Amish chicken breast drenched in mustard sauce, tossed with sauteed mushrooms and slathered with cheddar cheese, all piled with crispy applewood bacon. Get the recipe for the Yardbird sandwich from Slow's Bar-BQ in Detroit, Michigan.9601280

The Yardbird is a juicy, smoked, Amish chicken breast drenched in mustard sauce, tossed with sauteed mushrooms and slathered with cheddar cheese, all piled with crispy applewood bacon. Get the recipe for the Yardbird sandwich from Slow's Bar-BQ in Detroit, Michigan.

Scott Stewart

Prime Rib Sandwich

Prime Rib Sandwich

The prime rib sandwich is a pile of tenderly-sliced grilled beef, sauteed onions, mushrooms and peppers on a toasted, crisp semolina bun that’s infused with the savory juices of the meat. If that’s not enough, you also have the option to dunk this delectable dish into a Wisconsin-style, butter-infused au jus. Get the recipe for the prime rib sandwich from Kroll's West in Green Bay, Wisconsin.9601280

The prime rib sandwich is a pile of tenderly-sliced grilled beef, sauteed onions, mushrooms and peppers on a toasted, crisp semolina bun that’s infused with the savory juices of the meat. If that’s not enough, you also have the option to dunk this delectable dish into a Wisconsin-style, butter-infused au jus. Get the recipe for the prime rib sandwich from Kroll's West in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

La Torta del Rey

La Torta del Rey

The legendary Torta del Rey is made with 12 different ingredients, including breaded beef, pork, ham, chorizo, cheese, a fried egg, avocado, beans, tomatoes, onions and jalapenos. Get the recipe for the Torta del Rey from Los Reyes de la Torta in Phoenix, Arizona.9601280

The legendary Torta del Rey is made with 12 different ingredients, including breaded beef, pork, ham, chorizo, cheese, a fried egg, avocado, beans, tomatoes, onions and jalapenos. Get the recipe for the Torta del Rey from Los Reyes de la Torta in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mark Skalny

Fish Taco Torta

Fish Taco Torta

For the fish taco torta, deep-fried mahi mahi is placed inside a bun with tortilla chips. The crunchy combo is then topped with pico de gallo, creamy Peppadew slaw, lime juice, cilantro and habanero for an extra kick. Get the recipe for the fish taco torta from Tilia in Minneapolis, Minnesota.9601280

For the fish taco torta, deep-fried mahi mahi is placed inside a bun with tortilla chips. The crunchy combo is then topped with pico de gallo, creamy Peppadew slaw, lime juice, cilantro and habanero for an extra kick. Get the recipe for the fish taco torta from Tilia in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

BBQ Brisket Sandwich

BBQ Brisket Sandwich

The sliced beef brisket sandwich -- chef Bobby Flay’s favorite sandwich -- is cooked over an open fire and served with onions, pickles and a habanero BBQ sauce. Get the recipe for the BBQ beef brisket sandwich from The Salt Lick in Driftwood, Texas.9601280

The sliced beef brisket sandwich -- chef Bobby Flay’s favorite sandwich -- is cooked over an open fire and served with onions, pickles and a habanero BBQ sauce. Get the recipe for the BBQ beef brisket sandwich from The Salt Lick in Driftwood, Texas.

Jesse Knish

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Pulled pork topped with coleslaw and hot sauce. Get the recipe for the pulled pork sandwich from JR’s BBQ in Los Angeles, California9601280

Pulled pork topped with coleslaw and hot sauce. Get the recipe for the pulled pork sandwich from JR’s BBQ in Los Angeles, California

Seared Beef Tongue Sandwich

Seared Beef Tongue Sandwich

The seared beef tongue sandwich is served with smoked green onions, red pepper relish and garlic aioli on freshly baked bread. Get the recipe for the Seared Beef Tongue sandwich from The Noble Pig in Austin, Texas.9601280

The seared beef tongue sandwich is served with smoked green onions, red pepper relish and garlic aioli on freshly baked bread. Get the recipe for the Seared Beef Tongue sandwich from The Noble Pig in Austin, Texas.

Jesse Knish

El Toro

El Toro

The El Toro is a chargrilled, deli-sliced tri-tip topped with special BBQ sauce on a bun. A note from the owner Phil: Don’t forget a roll of paper towels since the El Toro can be messy to eat! Get the recipe for the El Toro sandwich from Phil's BBQ in San Diego, California.9601280

The El Toro is a chargrilled, deli-sliced tri-tip topped with special BBQ sauce on a bun. A note from the owner Phil: Don’t forget a roll of paper towels since the El Toro can be messy to eat! Get the recipe for the El Toro sandwich from Phil's BBQ in San Diego, California.

Big-Ass Roast Beef Sandwich

Big-Ass Roast Beef Sandwich

This roast beef sandwich has slow-cooked roast beef and hand-cut french fries piled onto a ciabatta roll and covered with homemade bechamel sauce. Get the recipe for the roast beef sandwich from Big-Ass Sandwiches in Portland, Oregon.

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This roast beef sandwich has slow-cooked roast beef and hand-cut french fries piled onto a ciabatta roll and covered with homemade bechamel sauce. Get the recipe for the roast beef sandwich from Big-Ass Sandwiches in Portland, Oregon.

Oxtail Sandwich

Oxtail Sandwich

Called "a crazy mess" by the creator of this sandwich, the Oxtail is smothered in marinara sauce and topped with carrots, celery, onion and peppers. Get the recipe for the oxtail sandwich from Salumi in Seattle, Washington.9601280

Called "a crazy mess" by the creator of this sandwich, the Oxtail is smothered in marinara sauce and topped with carrots, celery, onion and peppers. Get the recipe for the oxtail sandwich from Salumi in Seattle, Washington.

Pork Belly Cubano

Pork Belly Cubano

Wanna make this sandwich for your next tailgate? Get the recipe for pork belly Cubano from Bunk Sandwiches in Portland, Oregon.9601280

Wanna make this sandwich for your next tailgate? Get the recipe for pork belly Cubano from Bunk Sandwiches in Portland, Oregon.

The CSS Virginia

The CSS Virginia

This creation has with fried chicken livers loaded into a toasted French baguette with shredded cabbage, green onions, granny smith apple and remoulade sauce. Get the recipe for the CSS Virginia sandwich from The Blacksheep in Richmond, Virginia.

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This creation has with fried chicken livers loaded into a toasted French baguette with shredded cabbage, green onions, granny smith apple and remoulade sauce. Get the recipe for the CSS Virginia sandwich from The Blacksheep in Richmond, Virginia.

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Chicken Club Sandwich

Chicken Club Sandwich

It’s a triple-decker sandwich with grilled chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, mayo and a sunny side up fried egg, all in three slices of sourdough bread. Get the recipe for the chicken club sandwich from the W Hotel in Washington, DC.9601280

It’s a triple-decker sandwich with grilled chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, mayo and a sunny side up fried egg, all in three slices of sourdough bread. Get the recipe for the chicken club sandwich from the W Hotel in Washington, DC.

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Crab Cake Sandwich

Crab Cake Sandwich

These traditional sammies are filled with 6.5 ounces of jumbo lump crabmeat, fried to perfection. Get the recipe for the famous crab cake sandwich from Faidley Seafood in Baltimore, Maryland.9601280

These traditional sammies are filled with 6.5 ounces of jumbo lump crabmeat, fried to perfection. Get the recipe for the famous crab cake sandwich from Faidley Seafood in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Italian Beef Sandwich

Italian Beef Sandwich

The fall-apart tender beef is piled high on top of an Italian Sausage grilled to perfection. It is topped with sweet hot peppers and Giardiniera, and is sandwiched between a hearty Italian roll that soaks up the au jus, giving it that extra burst of flavor. Get the recipe for the Italian beef sandwich from Al's Beef in Chicago, Illinois.9601280

The fall-apart tender beef is piled high on top of an Italian Sausage grilled to perfection. It is topped with sweet hot peppers and Giardiniera, and is sandwiched between a hearty Italian roll that soaks up the au jus, giving it that extra burst of flavor. Get the recipe for the Italian beef sandwich from Al's Beef in Chicago, Illinois.

Heart-Stopping BLT

Heart-Stopping BLT

This sandwich takes the BLT to a whole new level with a mountain of thick-sliced crisp bacon that is sure to fulfill every bacon lover's dream! Get the recipe for the Heart Stopping BLT sandwich from Crown Candy Kitchen in St. Louis, Missouri.9601280

This sandwich takes the BLT to a whole new level with a mountain of thick-sliced crisp bacon that is sure to fulfill every bacon lover's dream! Get the recipe for the Heart Stopping BLT sandwich from Crown Candy Kitchen in St. Louis, Missouri.

The 4-Courser

The 4-Courser

The 4-courser sandwich has smoked pulled pork with a gouda bechamel sauce, pickles, jalapeno chips, sweet potato chips with BBQ sauce and a waffle-ized macaroni and cheese, all between a smoked pretzel bun. Get the recipe for the 4-Courser sandwich from The Fifty/50 in Chicago, Illinois.9601280

The 4-courser sandwich has smoked pulled pork with a gouda bechamel sauce, pickles, jalapeno chips, sweet potato chips with BBQ sauce and a waffle-ized macaroni and cheese, all between a smoked pretzel bun. Get the recipe for the 4-Courser sandwich from The Fifty/50 in Chicago, Illinois.

Chicken Conquistador

Chicken Conquistador

The Conquistador consists of a baked chicken breast served with lettuce, tomato and special sauce on French bread. Get the recipe for the chicken conquistador sandwich from Zunzi’s in Savannah, Georgia.9601280

The Conquistador consists of a baked chicken breast served with lettuce, tomato and special sauce on French bread. Get the recipe for the chicken conquistador sandwich from Zunzi’s in Savannah, Georgia.

Beau Kester

Asian Flank Steak Sandwich

Asian Flank Steak Sandwich

The Asian flank steak sandwich is only available on Mondays at Mitchell Delicatessen. But no need to panic, you can make it any day of the week. Get the recipe for the Asian Flank steak sandwich from Mitchell Delicatessen in Nashville, Tennessee.9601280

The Asian flank steak sandwich is only available on Mondays at Mitchell Delicatessen. But no need to panic, you can make it any day of the week. Get the recipe for the Asian Flank steak sandwich from Mitchell Delicatessen in Nashville, Tennessee.

Chicken Cheddar Biscuit

Chicken Cheddar Biscuit

This sandwich has a crispy piece of fried chicken topped with an oozing piece of cheddar cheese resting between a large, fluffy biscuit. Get the recipe for the chicken cheddar biscuit from Time-Out restaurant in Chapel Hill, N.C.9601280

This sandwich has a crispy piece of fried chicken topped with an oozing piece of cheddar cheese resting between a large, fluffy biscuit. Get the recipe for the chicken cheddar biscuit from Time-Out restaurant in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Media Noche

Media Noche

The home of this sandwich has perfected the creation that is a twist on the classic Cubano. Wanna make this sandwich for your next tailgate? Get the recipe for the Media Noche sandwich from Aguila Sandwich Shop in Tampa, Florida.9601280

The home of this sandwich has perfected the creation that is a twist on the classic Cubano. Wanna make this sandwich for your next tailgate? Get the recipe for the Media Noche sandwich from Aguila Sandwich Shop in Tampa, Florida.

The Roast Pork Sandwich

The Roast Pork Sandwich

This signature sandwich includes slow-roasted pork topped with broccoli rabe and aged provolone on a baguette. Get the recipe for the Roast Pork sandwich from DiNic’s in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.9601280

This signature sandwich includes slow-roasted pork topped with broccoli rabe and aged provolone on a baguette. Get the recipe for the Roast Pork sandwich from DiNic’s in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Grouper Reuben

The Grouper Reuben

This sandwich is a filet of grouper topped with melted Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and warm sauerkraut placed between two slices of marble rye bread. Get the recipe for the Grouper Reuben from Skipper’s Smokehouse in Tampa, Florida.9601280

This sandwich is a filet of grouper topped with melted Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and warm sauerkraut placed between two slices of marble rye bread. Get the recipe for the Grouper Reuben from Skipper’s Smokehouse in Tampa, Florida.

Capp and Cheese

Capp and Cheese

This sandwich is made with the side dishes actually on the sandwich itself. Wanna make this sandwich for your next tailgate? Get the recipe for the Capp and Cheese from Primati Bros in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.9601280

This sandwich is made with the side dishes actually on the sandwich itself. Wanna make this sandwich for your next tailgate? Get the recipe for the Capp and Cheese from Primati Bros in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Shrimp Po-Boy

Shrimp Po-Boy

This sandwich has loads of fresh shrimp straight from the fry basket piled onto a loaf of locally made bread. It is dressed with tomato, lettuce and creole mustard with some pickles to top it off. Get the recipe for the shrimp po-boy from Domilises Po-Boy & Bar in New Orleans, Louisiana.9601280

This sandwich has loads of fresh shrimp straight from the fry basket piled onto a loaf of locally made bread. It is dressed with tomato, lettuce and creole mustard with some pickles to top it off. Get the recipe for the shrimp po-boy from Domilises Po-Boy & Bar in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Corned Beef and Pastrami Sandwich

Corned Beef and Pastrami Sandwich

Although some people prefer this sandwich topped with coleslaw and russian dressing, the meats on this sandwich are topped with just mustard. Get the recipe for the corned beef and pastrami sandwich from Katz’s Delicatessen in New York, N.Y.9601280

Although some people prefer this sandwich topped with coleslaw and russian dressing, the meats on this sandwich are topped with just mustard. Get the recipe for the corned beef and pastrami sandwich from Katz’s Delicatessen in New York, N.Y.

More Savory Sandwiches

About the Show

Roger Mooking travels coast-to-coast counting down the 15 best sandwiches in America. From pastrami on rye and the Hot Brown to lobster rolls and po' boys, Roger searches for the most delectable handheld meals incorporating wonderfully innovative ingredients that leave no condiment untapped.